so she doesn't care about RIley then. YAY.

I do like this fic, very much. But I have to say I don't understand why Buffy tolerates this Riley, who is so obviously a bigoted ***, even if she is afraid of her feelings for Spike. Buffy's character should respond so negatively to his prejudices that she would have cut him loose a long time ago, even if this meant she had to find another excuse for not accepting Spike. I do love your Dawnie, though, very sweet, but very impulsive. And, I'm very interested to see where this is going...

Author's Response: Thank you. Yes, Riley is a pill in this. I always wondered why Buffy kept him around in the show? Then I figured it out...he was safe for her. She didn't have to love him too much, if at all. She was stronger then him, physically, emotionally, morally. That's why I have Riley as a kind of 'devil's advocate' in this fic. Buffy is becoming well aware that Riley is not her equal, Spike is. After this chapter, and in the next few chapters, Riley will have worn out his welcome. thanks, again, Luv Spuf